100% sunshine brightens day on Killington

100% sunshine brightens day on Killington

After yesterdays retreat to winter, today was a refreshing breath of spring across the Killington Resort. Even though temperatures early this morning were still in the mid 20's, the lack of wind and 100% bright sunshine allowed us to venture out on the mountain with significantly fewer layers under our shells. And as the morning progressed, temperatures appropriately rose with the sun, given south facing slopes the ability to soften and corn up, just the way they should in the spring.

All of the usual runs were in great shape. With a huge amount of snow on the resort, cold temperatures, and light skier traffic, the ski season at Killington still has a long way to go. At the start, it was just one high speed cruiser after another doing laps off the Skye Burst quad.

As we moved across the resort, I started to sneak in a few easy bumps while Mary stayed on the groomers. Old Superstar had some potential. At 10:30 AM it was still surprisingly firm. I dove right into it, and had a pretty good line going till just before the cutoff to Superstar. I was going so fast, I think I got airborne on the last 4 bumps before making a hard braking maneuver to head to Superstar. The brace on my left leg let me know it was there, but so it goes...thats why I wear it!

Upper Royal Flush was a little softer than Old Superstar. The upper flush still has loads of snow all across it. Skier traffic has developed nice little bumps for your enjoyment. By 11 they were softening up ever so slightly. I am sure they will be great later in the day.

FIS across the top from the K1 Gondola had 5 of 6 monster bumps on it. They were quick work as we headed down to the North Ridge triple. West Glade, er Ridge Run, also had a nice bump set on it. As is usually the case, the bumps on the upper section were bigger with sharp troughs. The middle and lower sections, being not as steep, had nice regular features.

Without question, the run of the day was Highline at noon time. It was a total do-over. The morning sun had baked the surface into a delightful texture somewhere between creme brulee and vanilla soft service ice cream. Surprisingly little skier traffic had been on it by noon, allow us to do wide sweeping turns down Highline's face. This is what spring skiing should be (if there were a BBQ and a cold beer strategically placed just beneath the trail).

As I write this, I noticed that my nose is a little red, my cheeks have a glow, and there are the early vestiges of a goggle line forming on my face. Now where did that tube of sun screen go again???

Let it snow! (at least on the mountain for a few more weeks)... and don't forget your sun screen!